What are some things we should do? There are 4 types of changes we need to make:
1. Use less fuel and utilize alternative energy sources. While you may not be able to afford a hybrid car, you can do other things to reduce your fuel consumption such as, drive less, use a bicycle or a motor scooter. Replace appliances with solar or energy efficient brands. Turn off the lights in your home and use cfl’s.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These actions need to be done in order. The first thing is that we want to use less and consume less. This reduces the amount of products in our landfills. Landfills are one the biggest sources of green house gas that affects the environment and a source of toxins in our water and soil. The most important items that need to be reduced are plastic grocery bags, plastic water bottles, and product packaging.
3. Use Product from Natural and Sustainable Sources Most popular would be bamboo or corn instead of wood from trees or plastics. Our food, household products, and personal care products should also not contain artificial ingredients, colors and artificial fragrances. Products can receive a seal of certification that their ingredients are natural and there are websites that will tell you about the ingredients of the products. http://householdproducts.niim.nih.gov/ingredients.htm
4. Purchase from Green Companies. It is popular today to let others know you are a “green” company. However, there continues to be those who are misinformed about what being green means and thus may be “greenwashing.” See: www.terrachoice.com/sixsinsofgreenwashing It is up to you the consumer to know some of the criteria for choosing a green company. Here are two questions to ask:
Do they have a green product or service? This would be something that has a
direct impact on reducing greenhouse gases, part of the reduce, re-use, recycle process, or reduces the effect on our natural resources. Scientific studies also should indicate that they have done their homework and their product is effective.
Do they implement best green practices in their organization?
For example, while a real estate person may not have a green product or service, but as a company they implement best practices. Among other things, they would decide to not use disposable cups, plates, and other such items.
There are organizations that are recognizing other organizations for following best
practices. A couple examples would be the Climate Neutral Award, the Stevie Award, or FGBC (Florida Green Building Council). But most importantly, you can check out an organization’s website for more information about what they are doing to implement Best Green Practices. This is usually found under a link from the
home webpage to information about the company.
Going Green is a Win-Win situation. It helps to reduce Global warming, protect our natural resources, makes us more healthy, and is good for the economy. Knowing some of the best practices and making a commitment to implementing some changes can make a difference.
To find out more details on things you can do, please continue on with the next blog in this Green series
1. Use less fuel and utilize alternative energy sources. While you may not be able to afford a hybrid car, you can do other things to reduce your fuel consumption such as, drive less, use a bicycle or a motor scooter. Replace appliances with solar or energy efficient brands. Turn off the lights in your home and use cfl’s.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These actions need to be done in order. The first thing is that we want to use less and consume less. This reduces the amount of products in our landfills. Landfills are one the biggest sources of green house gas that affects the environment and a source of toxins in our water and soil. The most important items that need to be reduced are plastic grocery bags, plastic water bottles, and product packaging.
3. Use Product from Natural and Sustainable Sources Most popular would be bamboo or corn instead of wood from trees or plastics. Our food, household products, and personal care products should also not contain artificial ingredients, colors and artificial fragrances. Products can receive a seal of certification that their ingredients are natural and there are websites that will tell you about the ingredients of the products. http://householdproducts.niim.nih.gov/ingredients.htm
4. Purchase from Green Companies. It is popular today to let others know you are a “green” company. However, there continues to be those who are misinformed about what being green means and thus may be “greenwashing.” See: www.terrachoice.com/sixsinsofgreenwashing It is up to you the consumer to know some of the criteria for choosing a green company. Here are two questions to ask:
Do they have a green product or service? This would be something that has a
direct impact on reducing greenhouse gases, part of the reduce, re-use, recycle process, or reduces the effect on our natural resources. Scientific studies also should indicate that they have done their homework and their product is effective.
Do they implement best green practices in their organization?
For example, while a real estate person may not have a green product or service, but as a company they implement best practices. Among other things, they would decide to not use disposable cups, plates, and other such items.
There are organizations that are recognizing other organizations for following best
practices. A couple examples would be the Climate Neutral Award, the Stevie Award, or FGBC (Florida Green Building Council). But most importantly, you can check out an organization’s website for more information about what they are doing to implement Best Green Practices. This is usually found under a link from the
home webpage to information about the company.
Going Green is a Win-Win situation. It helps to reduce Global warming, protect our natural resources, makes us more healthy, and is good for the economy. Knowing some of the best practices and making a commitment to implementing some changes can make a difference.
To find out more details on things you can do, please continue on with the next blog in this Green series
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